West Brom under-18s boss calls for youngsters to aspire to Manchester City talent

Albion crashed out of the competition at the quarter-final stage as holders City ran out 6-0 winners at The Hawthorns. It ended a memorable run for Downing and his troops, who prevailed three rounds to reach the last eight.

It was the club's under-18s best run in the competition for three seasons and Downing - in his third season in charge of the side but 14th as coach at Albion's academy - insists there are so many lessons that can be taken from the heavy defeat.

City's under-18 league leaders featured a side including a senior debutant aged 16 and a youngster who has trained with England's senior reckoning.

Downing said: "In all the rounds we've put in good performances, had a lot more of the ball than here, it's about taking the experiences.

"The lads have ultimately got to see the level City produced and aspire to be able to move the ball around, take it like they do. A couple of theirs have got into the first team, but not all of them will, so they will also be fighting to have careers like our lads are.

"We've got to keep working to just make sure they look to get to that level."

City netted a quickfire double on the stroke of half-time to take the game away from the hosts and did likewise early in the second half. Albion were otherwise competitive for large spells.

Many of the Baggies' youngsters gave eye-catching displays despite the heavy scoreline, including Dauda Iddrisa, Divine Onyemachi, Adam Letlat and goalkeeper Louis Brady.

Downing added: "They are a really good side and have done that to a lot of teams this season. For 35 minutes we started well and looked organised, we managed to contain them a little and had a few chances.

"The two goals conceded in quick succession on half-time and then two goals conceded in the second half saw the scoreline get away from us. But the lads didn't stop working and kept going for the 90 minutes, so I couldn't have asked for more."